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OKC Central Chat transcript, March 29, 2013

The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer took questions from readers in today's OKC Central Live Chat. You can join Steve's Q&A's on Fridays at 10 a.m. and submit your questions about the happenings in and around downtown Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer took questions from readers in today's OKC Central Live Chat. You can join Steve's Q&A's on Fridays at 10 a.m. and submit your questions about the happenings in and around downtown Oklahoma City. Below is an unedited transcript of the chat.

Steve Lackmeyer10:00 a.m.Good morning everybody.

Gary T10:01 a.m.Good morning Steve! When Jeff Speck did his walkability study in 2008, he said EK Gaylord should be four lanes instead of six or seven. I also remember him talking about taking out EK Gaylord between 4th and Robert S Kerr and reconnecting NE 3rd to Dean A McGee Ave. Has the city completely put the decision to do that on the back burner or are they just not listening to his advice?

Steve Lackmeyer10:02 a.m.The E.K. Gaylord and NW 4 intersection was indeed designed for an upgrade as part of Project 180 but was later abandoned.

10:02 a.m.

Steve Lackmeyer10:05 a.m.Jeff Speck, the walkability consultant hired by the city, did strongly recommend changing E.K. Gaylord from a six-lane divided boulevard to a four-lane road with a sidewalk on the eastside (where one does not exist currently) and curbside parking. I am hearing reports the city is looking at proceeding with a reconstruction of E.K. Gaylord Boulevard between the new downtown boulevard and Main Street that will maintain all six lanes.

Gary T10:05 a.m.There is a large open space on the west side of May south of 10th street on the east side of the fairgrounds (old racetrack). I know MAPS 3 allotted $60 million for OK State fairgrounds improvements, are they starting on new buildings for this already? I thought it was further down the timeline.

Steve Lackmeyer10:06 a.m.I'm not closely following the State Fair Park project, but I do recall reading about work gearing up to start on the new MAPS 3 exposition center that will replace the old exhibit buildings.

Gary T10:06 a.m.Is there ever hope for a secondary connection from Deep Deuce to BT besides the Walnut bridge? Or is the BNSF railroad standing in the way of that? I guess I envision a parking garage being built north of the new Holiday Inn Express and bridge built extending Oklahoma Avenue south connecting to the parking garage.

Steve Lackmeyer10:07 a.m.It's actually the Union Pacific tracks that separate Bricktown and Deep Deuce, and yes, connections between the two are very limited (the Walnut Avenue bridge and Russell Perry Avenue). A lot of people wish to see Oklahoma Avenue opened up between the two districts, but odds are increasing against such a connection.

Gary T10:08 a.m.Since there are no concrete plans for the Brooks-Burnett east bricktown apartments/retail/hotel development yet, what would your best guess be as to the layout of the project? I would think the retail would need to be to the west as far as possible, hopefully facing Sheridan and Russell M Perry with the apartments above, a parking garage directly west of the firestation and the hotel to the south of the firestation.

Steve Lackmeyer10:13 a.m.Based on some conversation I've had, I suspect we will see garages lining up parallel with the Union Pacific tracks between Russell Perry Avenue and the fire station.. The apartments and retail space (on the first floor, street-front) will line up along the north side of Sheridan Avenue. Now, the question is how is the massing of these buildings accomplished? One very long building is unlikely, though I guess not impossible. But I'm not sure they want a lot of open space facing Sheridan either. A hotel, meanwhile, will anchor the northeast corner of Russell Perry and Sheridan.

Gary T10:13 a.m.When will we see any movement on Chris Johnson's proposed renovation of the old Jokers comedy club? He bought the building almost a year ago.

Steve Lackmeyer10:15 a.m.Chris Johnson has had a long history of going to Bricktown Urban Design or other city committees to get permits to launch a development, announcing a timeline, and then not proceeding. In the dozen years or so he has been in Bricktown, the only thing he has developed is a surface parking lot.

BethanySooner10:15 a.m.Good morning Steve. I noticed on the planning commission agenda there was a proposal for a concert venue on the north half of the airpark site. Does this mean that the Humphreys are going a different direction? You also have mentioned at least 2 different alternate sites for the ferris wheel that was going to placed at the airpark.

Steve Lackmeyer10:15 a.m.No. The Humphreys, from what I understand, are simply pursuing an interim use for the property.

shawnw10:16 a.m.I don't understand why the convention center hotel cannot be located on the far west of the "green space" that is connecting the MBG with the CP in the most recently released designs. There can still be SOME green space between the buildings, and a North/South path through the green space to maintain the Harvey Spine, and even a tunnel underground to connect the hotel and CC. Why are we cramming so much to the east of Harvey and leaving all that other space unused? I don't remember so much green space (in an area overcome with green space in the end state) being in previous design proposals...

Steve Lackmeyer10:19 a.m.Sounds like you might want to go to the next public meeting of the MAPS 3 citizens convention center oversight committee.

Gary T10:19 a.m.Outwest Investments LLC owns 603 NW 23rd which is the property north across the street from Pizza 23/Orange Leaf and has owned it since January of 2007. Do you know if the owners are planning to do anything with this property or just sit on it to resell it?

Steve Lackmeyer10:20 a.m.It's a great property and was once home to the original Citizen's Bank (which later built the Gold Dome - another story). From what I've seen, the owners are sitting on it.

Frustrated Driver10:20 a.m.Steve, how does ODOT justify shutting down I44-40 for what will probably be an entire week? It's a major artery that thousands of people use to get to work every morning, and the next week will be torture for them. Why can't they do the work at night or on the weekend? Or just wait until after the morning commute is over? Is it a cost issue? Or maybe a union/contract thing? Do they just not care? This seems to be a common occurrence now, but I want to believe that they're forced to do this as a last resort and not just oblivious to the effect it will have on so many of us.

Steve Lackmeyer10:21 a.m.Because they can. They're ODOT.

Gary T10:21 a.m.Which do you think will happen first: the renovation and occupancy of the Tower Theater storefronts or the renovation and occupancy of the storefronts immediately east of the Tower Theatre?

Gary T10:21 a.m.It's pretty obvious that I think up these questions prior to the chat happening. Do you pretype answers to questions you are anticipating? Say, Mystery tower questions? CHK questions?

Steve Lackmeyer10:22 a.m.If I have time, I do. This morning I did not have time, so I'm doing this all off the cuff.

Steve Lackmeyer10:22 a.m.But let me clarify: I don't write answers to questions I don't have. I sometimes look at questions posted prior to the chat starting at 10 a.m. and try to get an early start answering. Today I was not able to do so.

Steve Lackmeyer10:23 a.m.Random thought: I really messed up not getting a cup of coffee before starting this chat.

BethanySooner10:23 a.m.Last week you predicted that Midtown would be built out to the equivalent of what Deep Deuce is today. Were you referring to the entire district from 4th to 13th or primarily the 10th street corridor?

Steve Lackmeyer10:24 a.m.Let's say NW 10 to NW 13 right now... you're right.... to see everything north of NW 4 developed within three years is a bit much.

mike10:24 a.m.Ed Shadid is going to run for mayor. Comments on okctalk disclose concern with him ,they think he will endanger the realization of the street car system. My opinion is that the streetcar system is worthless without a revamped bus transportaion system. Ithink that is waht he is saying as well. Am I missing something.

Steve Lackmeyer10:26 a.m.No. We do not know if Ed Shadid is running for mayor. We know he is looking at it - which can be said about at least three or four other people. It's been my observation that the streetcar advocates at OKC Talk do not like to see their beliefs or assumptions challenged or questioned - which is certainly what Shadid has done.

shawnw10:26 a.m.What are your thoughts about Ed running for mayor? I'm sure it will be a net good thing, but I suspect there will be some growing/change pains. Interested in your thoughts on how this might impact downtown and the business beat.

Steve Lackmeyer10:28 a.m.Some of the other council members clearly dislike him. Some civic leaders are concerned a Mayor Shadid could encounter gridlock with the council. Others say he would be a welcome change in leadership and innovation. I'll sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show ....

Judge Radar10:28 a.m.Good Morning Steve. What might we expect from the Public Transit consultants when they release their findings next month?

Steve Lackmeyer10:28 a.m.I don't know. But it's great hearing from you Judge!

BethanySooner10:28 a.m.The parking garage that is being looked at in north Bricktown, would that just be for general use or are there other developments on the horizon that would require more parking than is currently available on the sea of surface lots?

Steve Lackmeyer10:29 a.m.That's a good question and it has not been answered yet.

TJ10:29 a.m.Steve, have you ever heard of a City implementing a tax fast-food or drive-thru food? When I drive around OKC, even the midtown areas, there are way too many fast food restaurants. I realize that supply meets demand, but if a tax was implemented that would make it more expensive to eat fast-food, the City would either get extra money that they could invest back into walkability/parks/wellness improvements, or people would stop eating fast food and those places would start getting replaced with local biz.

Steve Lackmeyer10:33 a.m.I can't find a source for this, but I know I've read several times that Oklahoma City ranks very high in concentration of fast food restaurants. If anyone could have launched such a tax, it would have been Mayor Mick Cornett as part of his fitness initiative. But truth be told, it's difficult to see such a campaign succeeding anywhere in Oklahoma.

Russell10:33 a.m.With the convention center design looming on the convention center hotel location, do we have any knowledge of who the hotel operator might be? Omni? Hyatt? Hilton? You would think that they would have secured this before design work started.

Steve Lackmeyer10:33 a.m.Omni wouldn't be a surprising pick.

Yolanda10:33 a.m.When will we see a new housing project by the Bomasada Group and where?

Steve Lackmeyer10:33 a.m.Deep Deuce - if it happens.

Justin10:34 a.m.Hi Steve,

Steve Lackmeyer10:34 a.m.Hi Justin!

BethanySooner10:34 a.m.In your opinion, what is the likelihood that the Convention Center hotel be located on the Cox site instead of connected to the new CC?

Pat10:35 a.m.Hi Steve, Do you think the city understands they could be holding the ace card if they would require the hotel site at the NE corner of Reno and Robinson ? They could even use the existing underground parking. They could leave the Cox arena along only using the a section of the existing space at the Cox CC. Thanks

Steve Lackmeyer10:35 a.m.Good question. No. I don't.

Anonymous10:35 a.m.Hi Steve, I heard from someone who I would deem pretty reliable that Ritz Carlton had been looking at the Stage Center site for a possible 14-story development. Apparently, they didn't get the bid or chose to back away. In your opinion, do you think a hotelier of that caliber would consider the downtown market with the glut of hotels planned or already in development, including the 600 room convention hotel being discussed?

Steve Lackmeyer10:36 a.m.So we'll add Ritz Carlton to the rumor list then?
I seriously doubt any full service hotel is going to look at Oklahoma City without public participation. They're just too difficult to finance right now.
But, if Oklahoma City throws $50 million or more into the mix, anything is possible.

Roy10:37 a.m.Whatever happened to the FlatIron project by Grant Humphreys? I know it was shelved, but you would think with all the momentum in Deep Deuce now, this project would be revived.

Steve Lackmeyer10:38 a.m.The per-forma was always on the high side, and quite frankly, it still doesn't work. Something will happen eventually at that site, but for now, Grant Humphreys is staying very busy developing Carlton Landing at Lake Eufaula.

Roy10:38 a.m.It seems like some key developers in Oklahoma City like Grant Humphreys and Chuck Wiggin have went to sleep on development around here, what is the problem? Don't say the recession of 2008, we are past that now...

Steve Lackmeyer10:39 a.m.Humphreys is out at Lake Eufaula, Wiggin is staying busy in Tulsa.

Mike10:39 a.m.I recently rented a Spokie bike and rode around the city. Getting to the River proved challenging over the small pedestrian bridge and even more challenging dodging vehicles at the other crossings. Are there more connections to be made between the river and downtown with the new park? The I-40 relocation seems to have just moved the problem of this connection further South.

Steve Lackmeyer10:39 a.m.The extension of the Oklahoma River inlet under the new I-40 will be lined with sidewalks and should make your travels a lot easier.

Steve Lackmeyer10:40 a.m.Time out. I need coffee badly. I'll be back in two minutes.

Steve Lackmeyer10:43 a.m.OK, I'm back. Coffee is good.

Jon10:43 a.m.I am trying to wrap my ahead around why the City would not consider the Cox Arena site as convention center hotel site, seems like the best option. I would spur a tremendous about of private development in the exclusive area.

Steve Lackmeyer10:45 a.m.That's the debate. I'm not sure the "city" is for or against it. They honestly don't seem to know yet how to proceed. The architects seem to think in a perfect world, that's where the hotel should go. It would also tap the Bricktown market and be close to major corporate employers and the Santa Fe train depot, which will the new transit hub. It would join the existing cluster of full service hotels instead of standing alone. But....

Steve Lackmeyer10:46 a.m.Convention and Visitors Bureau president Mike Carrier also wants to see the hotel open as close to the opening of the new convention center as much as possible, otherwise it hurts his staff's ability to do advance sales for the new venues. But if the Cox Convention Center is razed before the opening of the new convention center, it kills our momentum in booking conventions and conferences.

Steve Lackmeyer10:49 a.m.Another complication to consider is whether the city wants to lose the Cox Arena, which still stays busy hosting Baron's ice hockey games, which don't draw 18,000 people a game like the Thunder do and are a better fit at Cox, and high school graduations.

Steve Lackmeyer10:51 a.m.The question, it seems, boils down to this: do we go for the ideal long term set up and take a two-year hit while it all takes place, or do we go for the less ideal to keep the Cox Arena in place and not lose any momentum.

Nick10:51 a.m.Steve, in regards to the East Bricktown project, why exactly is the remediation of the land and moving of utilities going to take over a year? I know moving lines is complicated, but I've seen it done in other places in far less time than what is being thrown out for this project. Is there a lot of environmental contamination? I'm not understanding the timeline.

Steve Lackmeyer10:53 a.m.Because this site is a mess. These are no ordinary utilities. We're talking about underground drainage lines big enough to drive a school bus. The electric overhead lines are huge. The soil needs remediation. This work takes time.

Waffleton10:54 a.m.Why is the convention center being held up because of a hotel? They are building plenty of them in bricktown, can they simply not find someone to build in the CBD? The renderings show lots of green space to the west of the proposed CC, why not build the hotel there? It would not block any views of downtown from the south and would maybe help start more development and infill to the southwest of the CBD.

Steve Lackmeyer10:55 a.m.The Bricktown hotels are limited service and do not have large room counts. A convention center hotel must be full service, adjoining the convention center and have at least 500 rooms. This is the conclusion of every expert that has visited Oklahoma City, including a panel convened by the Urban Land Institute.

Guest10:56 a.m.Steve, does the city have funding for the convention center hotel or would the brand taking over need to fund the cost?

Steve Lackmeyer10:56 a.m.Experts have indicated the city will need to chip in at least $50 million for a convention center hotel. The city has not indicated any source for this funding.

Guest10:56 a.m.What brand of hotel do you think we will get? Is there a chance that OKC could get a W Hotel as the convention hotel?

Steve Lackmeyer10:57 a.m.Don't be surprised if it's an Omni.

Guest10:57 a.m.Any news on what the city is moving ground for on the North banks of the river across from the Cultural Center, just east of the I-35/I-40 interchange?

Steve Lackmeyer10:57 a.m.No. I keep getting this question, but I just haven't had time to check into it.

guy10:57 a.m.Steve--i heard Aubrey formed a new company, Arcadia Capital. What will this company do? Is it just another upstart oil/natural gas company?

Steve Lackmeyer10:59 a.m.The formation of Arcadia Captial and McClendon Resources, and Aubrey McClendon's move forward with building out space at 320 NW 63 was first exclusively reported by Brianna Bailey and I in coverage earlier this month. McClendon is not talking about these ventures, but, your guess isn't a bad one.

Guest10:59 a.m.Does Union Pacific plan on re-opening the lines that divide Deep Deuce and BT? If not, at what point can the city determine the lines abandoned?

Steve Lackmeyer11:00 a.m.The line is inactive, but has been identified as a key corridor for a high speed train that may or may not ever happen.

DPP11:00 a.m.Happy birthday, Steve! Will you be celebrating at H&8th tonight?

Steve Lackmeyer11:00 a.m.I don't know yet.

J-Rod11:01 a.m.Will there be a new restaurant opening where Sage used to be in Deep Deuce?

Steve Lackmeyer11:01 a.m.I hear it will be opened as a cigar lounge.

Guest11:01 a.m.Steve, Thank you for doing these chats. Do you think the land at 4th and EKG will be back in play soon since it's owned by a SandRidge related LLC and the new SD BOD will be looking for things to sell? It would seem the sale of that space would be great for OKC since SD plans were to either put nothing on it or at best a parking structure.

Steve Lackmeyer11:03 a.m.It's quite possible that several of the empty lots SandRidge owns along Broadway could be sold and put into play. But so far, SandRidge isn't talking. They have indicated to our energy guys they're not going to talk to us at all anymore because of their displeasure of our coverage.

Guest11:03 a.m.Have you heard any rumblings of In-N-Out scouting locations in the downtown area?

Steve Lackmeyer11:03 a.m.Nope. Have you?

Guest11:03 a.m.Steve, are you familiar with the Pinot's Palette place opening in Bricktown? Any idea what it is?

Steve Lackmeyer11:04 a.m.Yes, it's a wine and art venue that is opening up next to Put a Cork In It in the Miller Jackson building (odd, since Put a Cork in It also does wine and art....)

Guest11:04 a.m.i hope you realize how BIG a letdown it WILL be if a new tower announcement is not made.

Steve Lackmeyer11:04 a.m.I'm not worried.

Thomas11:05 a.m.Did you see the model where some OU students restored part of the street grid to the cox convention center super-block, and do you think this could ever happen? Could it be feasible to have the Cox Arena be one of the new blocks and the CC hotel on another? thanks!

Steve Lackmeyer11:06 a.m.Yeah, I did see that. I think those ideas will be looked at as the time comes to decide the property's future.

Guest11:06 a.m.Did you think that the design for the convention center looked smaller then the current convention center? Do you know what the expected square foot space is between the proposed New vs Old space?

Steve Lackmeyer11:07 a.m.it's different in size and shape because it won't have an arena (Cox does)

John T11:07 a.m.a fair queston: What is being done east of I-35 bridge over OK river. On the north side of river a large amount of construction is underway.

Steve Lackmeyer11:08 a.m.I'll look into it

George11:08 a.m.Hey Steve thanks doing this, I look forward to it every friday. In many of the MAPS3 renderings there are large office towers lining the west side of Hudson over looking the park. I understand this amount of development will most likely take decades, but is there anything the city can do to promote/accelerate the build up of that part of Hudson?

Steve Lackmeyer11:08 a.m.Those renderings were part of the Core to Shore study and have no basis in reality at this time.

Guest11:08 a.m.Steve, Shadid sometimes comes off as the Maverick out of the City Council bunch. You never really know what he's going to say or what he's against. More often then not, he seems to oppose projects thats the public really want to see in the city. What are your thoughts on his views for the city?

Steve Lackmeyer11:09 a.m.He cares. A lot.

Alex11:09 a.m.Good morning Steve! First, random question, but is today your birthday? Second I was glad to read that someone else has begun to notice just how unappealing the rock barrier to the river is. Was this just an observation, or is Lee Allen Smith gearing up to start a campaign to do something about it? Have a great day.

Steve Lackmeyer11:09 a.m.Yes. Give Lee Allan a chance, and one never knows what he'll get done. I believe he's right - boardwalks will eventually be a part of the mix.

Guest11:09 a.m.What is your opinion on the Staybridge Suites planned for Bricktown? Why is it that developers insist on suburban style development downtown and can anything be done to encourage denser, less car-focused development in Bricktown? On a related note, does there really need to be a sea of surface parking right up to the edge of the canal?

Steve Lackmeyer11:10 a.m.The developers are trying to upgrade the design, make it fit. No, there doesn't need to be surface parking up the canal's edge.

Michael11:10 a.m.Hearing that MidFirst has/is purchasing Chesapeake properties. Have you heard anything as to which parcels?

Steve Lackmeyer11:10 a.m.Nope.

guest11:10 a.m.Enjoyed your article reflecting on the Myriad Gardens and it caused me to pause and reflect on OKC now. I understand that OKC is very different now than it was in the late 70’s/early 80’s but do you have concerns that the MAPS3 park will have the same or similar problems that plagued the Myriad Gardens? If not, do you have any concerns with the new park? Thanks!

Steve Lackmeyer11:11 a.m.I have not seen a demand for the park or development nearby. And there is no funding identified for operations and maintenance.

Reader11:12 a.m.Earlier this week I was driving back to the city from Moore and noticed that once I crossed the river, nearly all the lights were completely out on Broadway Extension. I counted 16 lights were out before I even got to the NW 23rd Street exit. Those with bad vision could be affected by this and secondly it didn't make us look good for those passing through. Do you know what is up with this?

Steve Lackmeyer11:12 a.m.Nope.

Scott11:12 a.m.Do you think modernized state alcohol laws would have an effect on the frequency of new bars/restaurants opening in Deep Deuce/Bricktown/Midtown?

Steve Lackmeyer11:12 a.m.Yes.

Nick11:12 a.m.Are there plans that you know of for the Bomasada's new project?

Steve Lackmeyer11:12 a.m.Not completed yet.

MB11:12 a.m.Re a fast food tax, it might be helpful to consult the Constitution, which has been interpreted to mandate equal protection. It would likely be completely unconstitutional to impose a punitive tax on one type of restaurant . . . and how would you legally define fast food? An instructive example is Mayor Bloomberg's large soda ban in NYC, which has been overturned in court.

Scott11:12 a.m.How did your meeting with the Bricktown Association go this week?

Steve Lackmeyer11:13 a.m.It went great. I'll share more about it on my blog this week.

Scott11:13 a.m.In the final design, did they include retail in the bottom floor of the Main st. garage?

Steve Lackmeyer11:13 a.m.Yes,.

Guest11:13 a.m.Steve, can you give us some insight into what happened with the Humphreys Development Co? Grant was heavily involved with Midtown Renaissance and left, and then the group gave up on the Waterfront development, the Flatiron, and another project that escapes me at the moment. Then they turned all their attention to Lake Eufaula. What happened?

Steve Lackmeyer11:13 a.m.The economy went south and they had to tightly focus on one project.

Adam11:13 a.m.Which of the 3 initial Convention center propositions did you enjoy the most (or maybe its more dislike the least) ?

Adam11:14 a.m.What exactly can Urban Renewal Authority do to the Ahmad Bahreini in Midtown? Can they forcefully buy them from him? What would you like to see happen to the property?

Steve Lackmeyer11:14 a.m.yes, they can start eminent domain against him

TJ11:14 a.m.Steve, as an Architect, I can say that just from the massings shown on the CC design, it is already disappointing to me. I understand that all major cities have these big flashy convention centers and that is what we want, so we can blend in with the crowd I suppose. I was hoping, with the controversial site and such, that OKC could step out of the box and do something original. My thoughts were somehow sinking the majority of the CC into the ground and bring a park over the top of the CC, slightly elevated across the width of the block. There could be sculptural glass skylights that would allow light into the main hall of the CC and add sculptural elements to the park element over the top of the CC. But mainly, this would make a continuous park, give us some unique to OKC elements and ideas, and alleviate all of the concerns currently being thrown around with the CC location.

Kevin11:14 a.m.Are there any plans to improve the landscaping and sidewalks on Shields from I-40 to downtown?

Steve Lackmeyer11:14 a.m.Possibly as part of Project 180.

Guest11:14 a.m.I've noticed some new for sale/available signs popping up on buildings around Bricktown lately. Are property owners warming to the idea of housing/office on their upper floors?

Steve Lackmeyer11:14 a.m.A bit.

frostokc?11:15 a.m.Why did the Oklahoman choose to do expose-style coverage on Shadid's mayoral bid? Are they planning similar coverage for conservative politicians?

Steve Lackmeyer11:16 a.m.That was not my call. You contact the reporter, William Crum, or the local editor, Rick Green, at 475-3231.

Guest11:16 a.m.Steve, I've been hearing that Mahogany is looking at the southwest corner spot in the Century Center parking lot as a possible location for a new restauratn once the renovations are complete. What have you heard?

Steve Lackmeyer11:16 a.m.The same thing.

DPP11:16 a.m.Last week, Rick asked: "What are your thoughts on the horse carriages in brick town? I think they are an annoyance. Used to be quaint but with the increase in traffic I think they're just in the way. Definitely impede traffic flow." In my humble opinion, accommodating traffic flow downtown should not be a priority. In fact, the fewer cars there are in the area, the better. A district like Bricktown should focus on being pedestrian friendly, walkable and safe. Bring on the carriages!

South OKC Guest11:16 a.m.Good morning! A couple of weeks ago, I asked about the possibility of OKC creating a Jenks type riverwalk with dining, shopping, etc. At that time, you indicated it might fall the way of the Jenks development yet I read your recent article about a riverwalk prospect. What gives?

Steve Lackmeyer11:17 a.m.They are two different ideas. The Jenks project has been a failure for too many reasons to get into here in the chat. I'll do a blog post on this next week.

Guest11:17 a.m.When will Devon have the lights fixed on the exterior of their new building?

Steve Lackmeyer11:17 a.m.Don't know

Guest11:17 a.m.How tall might we expect the new convention center hotel to be?

Steve Lackmeyer11:17 a.m.Architects suggested 20 stories

Jason11:18 a.m.first time attending one of these - have no idea how it works, there may be a line of questions in front of mine - just wanted to make it actually submitted.

Steve Lackmeyer11:18 a.m.You got it submitted. Try to log in earlier next time.

South OKC Guest11:18 a.m.Any chance the Walcourt Building and adjacent house to the west at NE 10/Walnut could be sold in the near future?

Steve Lackmeyer11:18 a.m.The woman who owns it has rebuffed many offers.

South OKC Guest11:18 a.m.Speaking of downtown, where would be the likely place for a Starbucks?

Steve Lackmeyer11:18 a.m.In the heart of the CBD<

okcpulse11:18 a.m.Steve, is there a possibility that First National Tower can be removed from Class C office space inventory listings since the property's owner continues having trouble? This would remove a chunk of vacant office space from the market.

Steve Lackmeyer11:19 a.m.Nope.

guest11:19 a.m.does this thing work?

Steve Lackmeyer11:19 a.m.Yes.
Log in earlier.

Steve Lackmeyer11:19 a.m.Folks, I've got to go now!
Have a great weekend.

MORE FROM NEWSOK

by Steve Lackmeyer

Business Reporter

Steve Lackmeyer is a reporter and columnist who started his career at The Oklahoman in 1990. Since then, he has won numerous awards for his coverage, which included the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the city's Metropolitan...